Greyhound Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ceisteanna (716)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

716. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasons greyhounds trained by a person (details supplied) were allowed to compete at coursing competitions in Loughrea, County Galway and Clonmel County Tipperary, resulting in a win in the coursing derby final, considering that they received jail terms and very large fines in court following searches for illegal substances carried out of their property by his Department’s investigations unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8069/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.